US to return over 100 antiquities to India after PM Modi visit

American government has decided to return more than 100 antiquities to India. se antiquities of Indian origin had reached international market through right or wrong paths, but America's decision to return m to India shows emotional bond between two nations, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, while addressing Indian diaspora at Ronald Reagan Center in Washington on Friday (June 23).

Extending his deepest gratitude to Biden administration for repatriation of ancient Indian treasures, PM Modi in his concluding speech said, "I extend my special thanks to US government for this gesture." Describing impact of his last visit to US, PM Modi said several artefacts and antiquities were returned to India back in September 2021, and w once again American government is returning remaining Indian antiquities.

"When I last came to America, a lot of old antiquities were returned to India. Wherever I travel in world, government of that country returns what belongs to India. y see me as right person, that he can be trusted. y return Indian antiquities, thinking that he will put m back in right place," PM said.

US government's decision to return Indian antiquities to India shows that relationship between New Delhi and Washington is t business-centric but emotional too, he added.

WATCH: PM Modi thanks US government for retuning antiquities of India

Speaking on India-US ties, PM Modi said partnership between both countries will make world a better place in 21st Century. "You all play a crucial role in this partnership. Meeting you all is like having a sweet dish after food," he said to Indian diaspora in US.

Indian-origin antiquities that were returned to India in past

Earlier, 157 artefacts and antiquities were returned to India and se included 71 cultural items.  or half consisted of 60 figurines related to Hinduism, 16 of Buddhism, and 9 of Jainism. Since 2014, a total of 238 Indian antiquities of Indian origin have been returned to country. And with US returning more Indian treasure will only add to this number. Or countries, including UK, Singapore, and Australia, are also likely to return Indian artefacts.